LOCAL BUSINESS WINS ROAD SAFETY AWARD

THE owner of a Llandovery tea room popular with bikers has been presented with a Welsh Road Safety Award.

Ian Marquis, owner of Owl’s Nest Tea room and Diner on the edge of Llandovery, which attracts bikers from all over Wales and beyond, was put forward for an award by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Road Safety team.

They wanted to recognise the support he gives them by allowing the use of the Owl’s Nest as a location for engaging with bikers.

He was awarded at the Road Safety Wales Conference at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells.

The Welsh Road Safety Awards recognise good road safety practice, innovative projects and personal contributions being undertaken in Wales.

Led by Carmarthenshire County Council, the local engagement team is made up of a variety of organisations, working together with the same aim – to reduce the number of casualties in this high risk group of road users.

Cllr Hazel Evans, Executive Board member for transport, said: “Congratulations to Ian on the award – this really highlights the importance of road safety and the part that The Owl’s Nest plays. The tea room and diner can attract hundreds of bikers, which makes it the ideal venue to chat and engage with motorcyclists. He also regularly shares and promotes our work, and is a great advocate of the safety message for motorcyclists.”

Carmarthenshire’s road safety teams have put together a range of services to support bikers and encourage road safety, including for those who have recently passed their test, returning to biking after a period of absence or even for those who have been riding for years.

Further information can be found on the council’s website – www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales.

Partner organisations which Carmarthenshire County Council Road Safety team coordinate with the support of Ian include Dyfed Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, GoSafe, IAM, RoSPA, MAG, Blood Bikes Wales and most recently Cruse Bereavement Service.